Français 101B

In this course you will undertake the study of a language that is the
vehicle of communication of one of the world's great cultures. You will learn
to communicate in basic French and to read French texts. Even if French is
not your major this course can be of great benefit to you. You may use it in
your business, in your personal relations, or as a research tool in graduate
school. After all, a study of French entails not only knowledge of the
language, but an awareness of the history, culture and literature of
France
and
the Francophone world.

Policies

1. Make ups: No make-ups for an unexcused absence are given. In case of
excused absences, your professor may choose not to give a make-up; instead he
may choose to count that quiz or examination as one of the grades to be
dropped.

2. You are expected to come to class prepared every day. Study the
material specified on the syllabus or in class! There may be a quiz even
though there is not a written assignment.

3. Every quiz and examination will stress oral comprehension. Keep in mind
that all class work will be conducted orally in French and your attendance
and participation will have a definite impact on your grade. The activities
of listening to a language, speaking a language, and writing a language all
demand active skills. This class will require your active
participation.

A language course is different from other courses at the college because
you work on oral communication skills. The only place you can work on these skills
is in your French class. Other classes may not require your attendance
because you can learn the material from the book; however, there is no
substitute for the dynamic interaction that takes place between you and your
teacher--a trained language acquisition specialist. For this reason this
course has a strong policy on absences. Students who have 5 absences will
have their final grade lowered one full letter. For additional absences there
will be a penalty of 2 points per day subtracted from the final grade before
the letter grade is dropped.

The use of cell phones or any electronic media device is not allowed during this class. Use of such devices during a quiz or exam will constitute an honor code violation and will be reported to the honor court.

*Extra Credit*

You may earn extra credit if you are willing to workfor it.
1 point will be added to the final grade for each French novel or play you
read (in English translation). If you are interested in this option, see
mebefore you choose a novel. Not all works are acceptable for
credit. Works you have previously read are not acceptable.

Here are a few suggestions that are acceptable:

Sartre, No Exit, The Dirty Hands, or The Flies
Camus, The Stranger, Caligula, The Plague
Ionescu, The Bald SopranoRacine, Phèdre,
Andromaque
Corneille, Horace